The Student Voice of Howard University Since 1924 Volume 101, Issue 12
Thursday, November 10, 2016
Washington, D.C.
AMERICA GETS TRUMPED SPECIAL ELECTION ISSUE
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Spotlight: The Transfer Experience By Victoria Jonas News Contributing Writer Howard University is home to many students. In particular, HU is home to transfer students as well. The transfer experience is often overlooked. But, transfer students are here to stay! Here at Howard, the Transfer Student Association (TSA) helps students smoothen the transition into Howard University. The TSA is a community of students who have matriculated at different colleges and universities but chose Howard as their final college destination. “At my previous school, I constantly felt like I had to hide who I was in order to fit in,” said sophomore biology major Rayana Cooke. “I felt like I couldn’t be my true, authentic self without being judged or questioned. As soon as I arrived on Howard’s campus, I knew this is where I belonged. There is a strong sense of family here that you cannot find at any other school.” Transfer students don’t view TSA as just an organization, but as a family as well. Students who have assimilated to Howard’s culture after coming from schools that may not have
been HBCUs, predominately Black or large in size need to express their intersectional experience. “The TSA is a big help to adjusting to the social life aspect or giving a few pointers to Howard. I learned about RSVP points, who’s the go to academic advisor or financial aid advisor. Without them (TSA), I would be lost,” said junior sociology major Najuma Louison. Most may not know the “struggle” of being a transfer student. The first battle all transfers face is transferring in credits. These students are constantly in the Mordecai Johnson Administration Building ensuring all credits from their prior school are accepted. Some students leave disappointed that their classification is a year behind because the Registrar Office won’t accept all of their credits. Others stand as the lucky few who got all their credits accepted. Then, these students initially find it difficult to “fit in” at Howard. When you are a new student on a campus but aren’t technically a freshman where do you go or who do you talk to? “Sometimes I feel like I don’t belong at Howard because I transferred in,
instead of getting accepted straight out of high school. So, I feel like some people don’t think I have earned my way to HU,” said Louison. Fortunately, students who transfer have the TSA. The Transfer Student Association provides their members with events that allow them to network, get support and guidance. After a while, transfers get adjusted and meet new people. There is a new sense of belonging that wasn’t felt at their prior school. Although Howard wasn’t their first choice, it was definitely their best choice. Transfer students make up a large population here at HU. So, non-transfer students must push to make our transfer sister and brother feel welcomed, listen to their stories and experiences. Because we all proud to be Bison. “Meeting people has been very easy. When you’re introduced to someone, you’re greeted with a hug rather than a handshake. We’re a family and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else but the Mecca,” said Cooke.
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Zora Neale Hurston (18911960), co-founder of The Hilltop Newspaper, is considered one of the pre-eminent writers of twentieth-century AfricanAmerican literature.
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CAMPUS
I Knew Trump Would Win, How Didn’t You? Column
By Dawn Ri’chard Layout Editor With Donald Trump now elected to be the 45th president of the United States, I have already noticed the dissatisfaction and confusion from the millennial generation from tweets and other forms of social media. Throughout his campaign, Trump continuously tried to tell the public that the polls being used showing Hillary Clinton, the Democratic presidential nominee, were mostly faulty. Trump also expressed his concerns with the lack of coverage that his campaign was receiving in comparison to the coverage that was allowed to Clinton’s. As someone who has been following this election
closely since Senator Bernie Sanders was still an option, I saw all of this coming and I always knew that Trump had a better chance of winning than what most people thought. I watched as Trump gained electoral votes with a calmness and this is how. With humility, I deeply encourage my generation to learn how to go out and seek more knowledge that goes beyond their social media for the future. There’s no secret website I discovered on the web that told me exactly how this election would go, nor am I psychic. I am simply a journalist with a deep desire to constantly seek knowledge, and this election was no exception. I am almost baffled at how I
Chart is from nytimes.com from the evening of Nov. 8 through the next day.
was able to precisely predict the success of Trump after Sanders lost to Hillary in the primaries. Looking back, I am also disappointed with the “political analysts” from major news outlets that constantly said that Trump had little to no chance to win. I was checking my New York Times app daily and they always said Trump’s chances to win the presidency were around 10 to 15 percent. So I have a major concern with how Trump went from having almost no chances of winning presidency to now having the great honor to be inaugurated in January of 2017 as our next president. If you were listening to the political conversations
leading up to election night you should have witnessed the “leaners” as one political analyst explained it. Trump had people that didn’t openly want to say, “Yes. I support Trump and so should you!” Instead many people would “lean” in to someone they knew and would whisper, “I actually am thinking of voting for Trump.” These “leaners” had a tremendous impact in the election at the polls and greatly tied in to Trump’s win which was another reason I was in no shock as he won key states such as Florida. I personally believe that millennials did not think that Trump could truly pull of gaining presidency, but they thought this without
realizing so much of the information that was being presented to us was from the media and social media was somewhat faulty and inaccurate. For those of in my generation that are shaken with fear or worry, I hope you use those feelings to challenge yourself to understand your country better and the way politics work, along with learning to question everything you see, even the major news outlets you follow. I encourage everyone to be more adept to what’s going on next time, even if it means just talking to people that are opponents of what you believe in, reading new media outlets, etc. FRONT COVER Photo Credit: The New York Times
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MILLENIALS CASTING
(Photo Credit: Photo by Eileen Salazar)
Citizens wait to exercise their right to vote outside 1480 Girard Street NW (Columbia Heights Community Center) in Washington, DC. (Photo Credit: Photo by Samantha Corsey)
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THEIR VOTE AT POLLS
Left-Howard University students voting at the Washington Metropolitan High School in Washington, DC. (Photo Credit: Kaylin Young)
Bottom Left-Howard University student votes at the Washington, D.C. Highschool in Washington, D.C. (Photo Credit: Myles Person)
Bottom Right-Angela Cooper, an Election Official at Banneker Pool of NW Washington D.C. welcomes D.C. residents to vote on Tuesday, November 8, 2016. (Photo Credit: Judayah Murray)
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Howard University “From the Archives”: How Was it Created?
By Kiana Kisino Contributing Writer
The School of Communications has produced a weekly hour-long series of documentaries about a range of issues, including health care, arts, and politics. “From the Archives” includes footage from Howard University faculty, staff, current students, and alumni, as well as from the Washington D.C. community as a whole. Stories are from the past and present from guests such as award-winning journalist Will Haygood, artist/activist Harry Belafonte, novelist Natalie Baszile, and many other big names. From the Archives can be heard on HBCU Sirius XM Channel 142 on Mondays at 4:00 p.m. and Tuesdays at 6:00 p.m. The executive producer, Sonja Williams, is a professor at Howard University. “It started because in the School of Communications we have a small library of programs, lectures, and productions that go back several decades,” she said. “Our thing was, ‘why should it just sit on a shelf?’ These are lectures from when we had major figures on campus.” She hopes that people enjoy the show while also learning from the series. These lectures and productions travel through time at Howard University. Williams thought these files should be utilized. “Instead of just limiting it [the audio files] to on campus and in the class, why not package it so that it can be heard more broadly,” she said about starting the series. This series was started on the audio and music platform SoundCloud. SoundCloud is a place where users are able to upload, record, and share their original sound pieces. From SoundCloud Professor Williams then took the series to Sirius XM. “It’s an international outlet. Sirius XM can be picked up in the United States, but online it can be heard anywhere,” she said. “It’s a way for students and alumni to get their production’s exposure.” Harry Belafonte, singer, songwriter, actor, and
social activist, was brought to campus for a lecture. Students went to the event to record it and have it played on the series. “Bringing men and women in the media who have had a lifetime of major achievements talking about their background and how they ended up as successful as they are is what motivates students,” said Williams. “We honor industry exemplars as well as students with the best work.” Kyle Murdock, who is also a professor at Howard University, is the creator of Mouths of the Mecca, that is a part of From the Archives. “The idea came from a student and I, we were both listening to a podcast on NPR called ‘Snap Judgment,’” said Murdock. “It focused on people sharing stories- they were told through sound, like music and sound effects. He says to me, ‘We should do something like that, but based on the students here at Howard.’” Murdock was once a student at Howard and worked very closely with Professor Williams. His first job after graduation was at the XM station, before it was Sirius XM, so he knew the sound they were looking for to be on the radio. At the time that Mouths of the Mecca was starting, he worked at the station in the basement of the School of Communications. He pitched the idea to Professor Williams and she then pushed it to the radio station. Mouths of the Mecca is a show where Howard students were interviewed to talk about their experiences here at Howard. The goal of Mouths of the Mecca was to share the stories and experiences of current students from Howard University. By combining different stories from them and having them on one show is what made Mouths of the Mecca unique. The pilot episode on From the Archives was a show called “How Black is your Black,” a show that highlighted four students at Howard, one of which, included Murdock. It talks about the experiences of Howard students being Black or
misinterpreted as another race. “My story had to do with my look, because people always think I’m Hispanic. It depends how I look, I’ve got a really interesting look, I’ve been told,” Murdock said. “I told my story about how my Spanish professor here at Howard thought I was Latino. During my exit interview for the class, he started to talk to me like I was a Native, and I had to tell him I’m not. But, the stories on ‘How Black is your Black’ talks about the misinterpretations of being another race.” The series exemplifies the talent of students in the School of Communications. The students from the School of Communications are the people who bring together the show. Graduating senior, Jamahn Warren-Bey, was an executive producer behind Mouths of the Mecca. “This show has been up and coming for three years now,” he said. “I joined Mouths of the Mecca, as a host after meeting with Professor Murdock.” The soon to be graduate is anticipating the show growing and having an even larger audience. He is hoping that he can still help with the development as the show grows and even when he’s an alumnus. “I hope to continue to be a part of the show and with the development as the show goes on, even after I graduate,” Warren-Bey said. “I simply want to be a part of the growth of the show from continuing to brainstorm with Professor Murdock on how to teach SOC [School of Communications] students how to conduct interviews and come up with topics.” To hear “How Black is your Black” or anything more from Mouths of the Mecca, here’s a link to their SoundCloud and instagram feed: SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/mouths-ofthe-mecca/how-black-is-your-black Instagram: instagram.com/mouthsotmecca
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New Volunteer Program at (MS)2 Shows HU Dedication to Service
By Sydney Davenport Contributing Writer
The Howard University Middle School for Mathematics and Science (MS)2 provides the HU community the opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to service with its newly created volunteer program. The program, which has been in the works for three years, started last month in October. Natasha Metts, director of supplemental programs and supervisor of the volunteers, conveys her excitement at seeing the volunteers. “Because we’ve been working on it for so long, to come into a classroom and see the kids’ response to them (volunteers) is exciting,”
says Metts, “It exposes them (kids) to new people and it allows our teachers to get extra support. And because they (teachers) have been really excited; it makes me excited.” There are four different types of volunteer opportunities at (MS)2: On-going opportunities, volunteer led projects/events, volunteer alternatives and sporadic/last minute opportunities. Goodness Fowora, an electrical engineer major from Nigeria, is volunteering with four other students from the National Society for Black Engineers (NSBE) to work with (MS)2’s NSBE Jr. chapter. Fowora says though he is an electrical engineer by trade, working with kids is something he is passionate
about. “I like working with kids, probably because my mom who was a school teacher. They’re fun and simple, so I work with kids as much as possible when I get the opportunity.” The (MS)2 students and the HU students spend the first day as a get-to-knowyou opportunity. The NSBE volunteers, who will work with the students every other Monday and Wednesday, also facilitated elections for the junior chapter’s student council. Volunteer Tosin Ajisebutu, a junior biology major, says she signed up last semester and was happy to get the email about the program starting this semester. She is excited to get the opportu-
nity to work with kids even though it is a new experience. “It’s different because I’m in a new environment and I’m dealing with younger kids ... it just takes me back to when I was in middle school so I can understand why they behave the way they do,” Ajisebutu says. Ajisebutu is the first volunteer to report on Tuesday; she plans to continue volunteering three to four days a week next semester as well. There are currently about 90 volunteers ready to serve at (MS)2, including organizations such as: School of Education Student Council, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Men of George Washington Carver Hall, National Society of Black Engineers
(NSBE), Chemical Engineering Honor Society, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. An alumna of Howard, Metts, who started working with (MS)2 as an undergraduate intern, is hopeful for the future of the volunteer program. “I really just want it (the program) to continue to grow. I want everyone on campus to know who we are and I want them to know how they can support us if they’re interested … The more the merrier.”
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NEWS
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Millennial Voters Turn Out Big in Philadelphia By Courtney Davis Courtesy of Howard University News Service If you want to find out what millennials are doing this election, go to the University of Pennsylvania and its more than 24,000 students. The university’s 18 polling places were overwhelmed with voters, election officials said. In some cases, the wait to vote was three hours, they said. By the late afternoon, voters at the library at 40th and Walnut streets had already cast about 450 ballots cast, more than twice the number for the same time in the last presidential election, poll workers said. Mary Goldman, a Democratic committeeperson working at the 40th Street polling location, said this Poll workers said there were so many voters they ran out of “I Voted” stickers halfway through the day. (Photo Credit: Courtney Davis) election’s turnout was like go, the numbers are going to She also said as an Africanfighting for the ability to stress once her ballot has President Barack Obama’s match 2008,” he said. American woman, it is her vote. In many countries, it been cast, because at that first election. Only halfway Throughout the presidential civic duty to cast a ballot in isn’t even an option.” point she had done all that through the day, the locaelection, polls among the every election. Champion and her friend she could do. tion ran out of the “I voted young voters showed weak “Anyone who doesn’t apMonica Zack are both reg“I’ve been feeling extreme today” stickers it gives to support for Democratic preciate their right to vote, istered Democrats who are anxiety about this election,” voters, Goldman said. nominee Hillary Clinton. especially as an African confident Hillary Clinton she said. “Today I had an A few blocks down, on The voters were not necesAmerican person, come on,” will win Pennsylvania. overwhelming sense of calm South 45th Street, Brian M. sarily in support of Republi- she said. “People spent years Champion said she felt less after I voted.” Villa, first vice-president of can nominee Donald Trump, the 27th Ward Democrats, but many were very excited said the line at his polling about the former secretary location was unusually long. of state. “The line went to the next The millennials were intersection,” Villa said. “It a force in the primary’s, was about 300-400 feet out supporting Bernie Sandthe door. The college popu- ers. Gemmika Champion, a lation is here out in force, student at Drexel University right now. It looks like the said Sanders’ loss for the turnout will be 225 percent democratic nominee did disabove traditional numbers,” courage some of her friends. he said. “I know people who don’t Villa agreed with Goldman want to vote because they that the millennial turnout think the political system is this presidential election is corrupt or Hillary doesn’t comparable to Obama’s first represent any more positive election. values than Trump, but I “At three in the afternoon, disagree with them,” Chamwith four hours of polling to pion said. Residents and college students waited up to three hours to vote at 18 sites at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. (Photo Credit: Courtney Davis)
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CULTURE
By Chantè Russell Culture Staff Writer
A Scholar’s Ambition: Hip-Hop & Higher Education
Words Beats & Life, an organization dedicated to empowering hip-hop culture and artists, hosted a panel entitled “A Scholar’s Ambition: Hip-Hop & Higher Education,” in the Locke Hall auditorium on Wednesday, Nov. 2. This event was a part of Words Beats & Life’s inaugural Hip-Hop festival, which primarily took place at the Kennedy Center. The panel consisted of poet and senior english major, Angel Dye; assistant professor of the English department, Dr. David Green and Professor Kyle Murdock of the School of Communications. The panel was moderated by Dr. Dennis Winston. The conversation started with Hip-Hop’s role at Howard and reminded attendees that the first Hip-Hop conference to ever take place was hosted at Howard University. Dr. Green was asked to talk about his book, “Visions & Cyphers” --a required text in First Year Writing courses. Green said that the “cyphers” in
the book were directly inspired by Hip-Hop Culture because just like in a rap cypher, the essays in the book create conversations focused on topics that don’t usually get much attention. Green said that he also brings Hip-Hop to the classroom by analyzing different artists and their work. Professor Murdock also brought music into class when he began working at Howard. He said that he used his production experience to “overhaul” his Multimedia Audio Production class and bring it up to date. Moreover, he uses Hip-Hop to form a relationship with students through tactics such as an icebreaker assignment modeled after the song “I am I Be” by De La Soul. Being a current student, Angel Dye was able to attest to the benefits of combining Hip-Hop and formal education. “I write against a Hip-Hop background,” said Dye. She went on to say “Having a knowledge of both Hip-Hop and more formal literature help to feel like I always have something to say.” In the Q&A segment of the panel, a question about tension between old school and new school
artists prompted a discussion on the evolution of Hip-Hop, and the importance of finding the similarities throughout the history of Hip-Hop music. This led to a conversation about how Hip-Hop has found its way into many other genres because of its evolution. “If we understood our history, then we might be able to utilize what we own,” Dr. Winston in defense of sampling and crossing genres. The panel ended with Dr. Winston telling students that if they are concerned with the state of hip-hop at Howard University, then they should speak to their advisers and department heads about how they can get more of it in their classes. Finally, there were performances by rapper, Heim, and producer, Andy Capps, who both showcased their individual talents before coming together for a freestyle collaboration. The crowd was definitely enjoyed the artists, many even joined in reciting some of the lyrics during Heim’s solo performance and nodded their heads to Capps’ beat. From the discussions to the performances, this was a great night for Howard’s hip-hop heads.
Perspective: My First Trip to the Voting Booth By Bria Horsley Contributing Writer At 20-years-old, I officially exercised my right to vote for the first time. Aside from not initially registering for an absentee ballot, the process was relatively simple. I stood in line, sweating in the unexpected November heat with a proof of D.C. residence in my hand. For a vocal “I’m With Her!” supporter, I began to question whether I was really with her or if I was just against him. I could feel the weight on my shoulders to vote in this election whether I was well-versed in the issues or not. As I held the pen above the circle to make my choice, I had to evaluate what was important to me. I care about seeing America resolve the issues that have been “skated” over and set the foundation for a secure future. As someone who aspires to live in a country where I’m comfortable raising my children, I had to side with the candidate who insisted on tightening up on gun control. Not only that: I had to think of who had others in mind when creating their campaign’s platform. Hillary Clinton, I felt,
was a strong advocate for the use of body cams, while Donald Trump claimed “We have to give power back to the police, because we have to have law and order.” Trump continuously promotes laws in favor of the wealthy, conservative male. His policies include the deportation of Muslims and Mexicans, termination of gay marriage, and annulment of taxation on the rich. Of the few plans he has, none of them affect him or anyone like him. However, for me, my choice was clear. Trump’s stances on these issues revealed to me that he is a selfish candidate whose lack of political experience has hindered him from building a viable platform for presidency. After voting in this election, I came to the conclusion that I was truly “For Her.” While both candidates have their shortcomings, I felt that there were far too many on the Trump campaign for me to allow him to make changes to my country. The power behind my vote is truly a civic duty that will go a long way. It is an opportunity to make an imprint in history. I slid my ballot into the machine and felt pride in my country as I walked out of the polling location. I realized that I wasn’t
voting because of peer pressure. The responsibility that I felt weighing on me was my conscious letting me know that I wouldn’t sleep well if I allowed my vote or lack thereof to be the one that tipped the scale the wrong way. All in all, my first trip to the voting booth will remain historic in my eyes and in the country’s as the results come out.
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“Is You Crazy?” – Drake Column
By Anthony Brown Contributing Culture Writer Music artist Drake’s Kid Cudi diss created somewhat of a backlash with fans who feel that the critique of Kid Cudi’s mental illness is a low blow. In Drake’s new diss song “Two Birds, One Stone,” from his upcoming project “More Life,” the embattled rapper took aim at Pusha T and Kid Cudi, for their negative comments on his use of ghostwriters to create content. The Toronto rapper’s comments on Pusha T question his former drug dealer status, suggesting that Pusha T wasn’t in “the game” to the level he has purported, and instead claimed that he mostly sat on the sidelines pretending he was an “Al Pacino” character. His comments for Kid Cudi, on the other hand, were far more searing. Drake ridiculed him for his early October admission of mental depression and suicidal thoughts, and goes as far to allude that the “Man on the Moon” artist is crazy. In a Facebook post to fans, Kid Cudi said, “I checked myself into rehab for depression and suicidal urges. I am not at peace.” Drake, always ready to wage a rap war, used Kid Cudi’s message as ammo in the lyrics: “You were the man on the moon. Now you just go through your phases. Life of the angry and famous. Rap like I know I’m the greatest. Then give you the tropical flavors. Still never been on hiatus. You stay xanned and perked up/ So when reality set in you don’t gotta face it. Is you crazy?” The public response to this has been resoundingly negative, with people taking offense to the OVO rapper making light of such a personal and serious issue; especially since Kid Cudi had the courage to be upfront and frank about his struggle, after acknowledging the guilt and shame he’s felt for a long time – which caused him to hide this from the world. Some even worry that this below-the-belt diss will cause other rappers to hide their fears and issues – setting a dangerous example for others. Instead of backing down, however, Drake has pushed full-fledged ahead; continuing to promote the controversial song and defend his actions. Later in the week he wrote, “Mans need to stop mentioning my name when they get geeked,” after a commenter on Instagram challenged him on the appropriateness of his Kid Cudi response. Not one to be outdone, Kid Cudi responded to his rival’s comments in true hip-hop fashion. He said “say it to [my] face, p*ssy. You think it’s a game. I wanna see you say it to my face. I’ll be out
soon. Promise,” a comment directed personally to Drake on his Twitter page. Beyond the insensitivity of Drake, Kid Cudi’s current struggle with mental illness has elicited encouragement from some of rap’s young prominent stars, including Travis Scott and Chance the Rapper, both voicing words of support on social media. During a stop on his “Saint Pablo Tour,” West went on stage and said, “Kid Cudi is my brother, and I hope he’s doing well,” a few days after he initially responded hostilely to Kid Cudi’s “ghostwriter” comment. In an unexpected twist however, Kanye has also been linked to Drake’s “Too Birds, One Stone” track as he is listed in the credits. At this time, it is unclear when Kanye was involved in the track and how much he contributed to the final product. Many social media users have continued to criticize Drake’s mockery of Kid Cudi’s mental health issues. Chihiro Ogino @WickedBeaute tweeted, “Drake has been releasing trash music for a while. But trying to joke on Kid Cudi’s mental illness makes him even more trash.” What has made this particularly off-putting for many is that Drake has built his persona as a rapper on a platform of sensitivity, exploring feelings that culturally were unaccepted topics in mainstream rap, with some calling him too soft and emotional. For someone who has spent a painstaking amount of energy to convey his angst about relationship woes, to lash out in such an uncharacteristically cruel way is unsettling and untrue to the image he’s created. Yes, this is rap, but there are still rules and lines drawn in the sand to maintain a degree of decorum and hold offenders accountable. Beyond the scope of music, what are the broad implications of Drake’s retort? Will the Black community double down on their stance of toughen up, you don’t need a doctor for that, you’re fine? Or is it now acceptable to unscrupulously attack one’s foes verbally when we feel slighted, no matter their personal or mental issues? Only time will tell. Is this all Drake’s responsibility? Of course not. But it does merit saying. And I think many people hope that he will at least consider it, if for no other reason than to repair his slightly battered image, so that they can go on loving him unscathed. Because evidently, many feel Drake has clearly crossed the line on this one, and has made more than a few minds wonder, who is really the crazy one?
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NAACP Statement on Presidential Election Baltimore, MD – NAACP National President and CEO Cornell William Brooks issued the following statement regarding the results of the 2016 presidential election: “Even as we extend our congratulations to PresidentElect Donald J. Trump, the NAACP, as America’s oldest and largest civil rights organization, must bluntly note that the 2016 campaign has made racism regular, anti-Semitism standard, xenophobia unexceptional and misogyny mainstream. Voter suppression, as the courts have declared, has too become rampant and routine. From the day that General George Washington accepted the people’s charge to become their first commanderin-chief, to the day that we elected Barack Obama as our country’s first African-American president, America has come together to ensure a peaceful transition of power. This most recent presidential election must meet this distinctly American standard. President-Elect Trump’s victory speech avoided a divisive tone and thus invoked this standard. During this critical period of transition, we are now calling upon the next president to speak and act with the moral clarity necessary to silence the dog-whistle racial politics that have characterized recent months and have left many of our fellow citizens snarling at one another in anger and even whimper-
ing in fear. The more than 120 million Americans who cast ballots in this election – as well as the more than 100 million more eligible voters who declined to vote – deserve no less. The NAACP stands ready to work with a new administration to realize the racial justice concerns that not only compelled millions of people to go to the polls on Election Day but also inspired millions to protest in the streets in the preceding days and months. Depending upon the new administration’s fidelity to America’s ideals of liberty and the NAACP’s agenda for justice, we will either be at its side or in its face. We will not let this election distract or dissuade us; the NAACP will continue to stand strong at the frontlines, advocating for voting rights, criminal justice reform and equality for all. This election comes as a surprise to many, an affirmation to some and a rejection to others, but it is a defining moment for all. We must come together as an NAACP and as a nation. We must build and sustain the principled and practical unity that the American people and the American government so critically need.”
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Athletes Who Have Endorsed 2016 Presidential Candidates During the presidential election season, several sports figures have donated million of dollars to their respective candidate. This year is no different. Here are some of the biggest names in the sports world, who have chosen to endorse the current presidential candidates in hopes of them winning the 2016 Presidential Election: Player: Tom Brady Sport: Football Team: New England Patriots Candidate endorsed: Donald Trump Reason: On several occasions, Brady has made it known that Donald Trump is, and has always been, a close friend of his. When asked to comment on some of Trump’s antics during his rallies, in true friend fashion, Brady neglected to comment. Nevertheless, Brady vows to continuously support him into and after the election. On Donald Trump’s last night on the stump in New Hampshire, Trump told the crowd that Tom Brady had already casted his vote for him. However, earlier in the day Tom Brady stated on a New England radio shot that he had not voted yet. Player: Carmelo Anthony Sport: Basketball Team: New York Knicks Candidate endorsed: Hillary Clinton Reason: During the 2016 Rio Olympic games Anthony was quoted saying “America will be great again.” Being similar to Trump’s campaign slogan “Make America great again,” rumors began to stir that Anthony supported Trump. However, those rumors came to a halt when Anthony and his family attended a fundraiser for the Clinton administration. Player: Abby Wambach Sport: Soccer Team: U.S. National team, Western New York Flash (retired) Candidate endorsed: Hillary Clinton Reason: Wambach, who has been backing Clinton’s race for the White House since her announcement, has been very outspoken at rallies and other events on Clinton’s behalf. Addressing Clinton’s strong advocacy for women’s rights during these events, Wambach has helped Clinton immensely and plans to do so until election season is over. Player: Dennis Rodman Sport: Basketball Team: Chicago Bulls (retired) Candidate endorsed: Donald Trump Reason: Addressing his close relationship with Donald Trump, Dennis Rodman has publicly supported the Republican nominee. Rodman believes that America would be better off with a businessman opposed to another politician.
By Nathan Easington Contributing Sports Editor
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10. 2016
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SPORTS
Be the Change You Want to See:Race Relations in Sports By Brittany Webb
Sports Editor As the Election season has come to a close, one of the major issues at hand for the next president to face is racial tension in America. Over the years, African-Americans have protested, demanded reform within government and gained “equal rights.” Many of those rights, men and women of color were beaten, arrested and killed for. However, today, those rights are supposed to belong and apply to the Black community as they do to Whites, but they don’t. As of September, over 190 persons of color were shot and killed by police in 2016. In lieu of the justice system failing Black people throughout the years, some professional athletes have chosen to use their platforms to speak out against the ills of the American justice system. In July, Knicks star Carmelo Anthony urged professional athletes to take a stand against injustice in an Instagram post. “There’s NO more sitting back and being afraid of talking and addressing political issues anymore,” Anthony wrote. “Those days are long gone. We have to step up and take charge… I need your voices to be heard. We can demand change.” At this year’s ESPY awards, Anthony stood alongside fellow NBA stars Chris Paul, Dwayne Wade and Lebron James to present a Black Lives Matter speech. “Not seeing the value of black and brown bodies
has to stop, but also, the retaliation has to stop,” Wade said. “Now as athletes it’s on us to challenge each other to do even more than we already do in our cow communities. The conversation cannot stop as our schedules get busy again. It won’t always be convenient, it won’t. It won’t always be comfortable but it is necessary.” Paul urged his fellow professional athletes to follow in the footsteps of legends who dominated the sports world before present day athletes. Those athletes included Jackie Robinson, Muhammad Ali, Abdul-Karim al-Jabbar and Arthur Ashe. “They set a model for what athletes should stand for,” Paul said. “So we choose to stand in their footsteps.” As the ESPY awards have passed, the notion for athletes to take a stand against injustice still stands. Some athletes have chosen to fight for justice in the public eye. One of those athletes is San Francisco 49er quarterback Colin Kaepernick. During the singing of the National Anthem at the team’s Aug. 26 preseason game against the Green Bay Packers, Kaepernick refused to stand, and knelt instead. He told the NFL.com that he was “not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color. Since his protest, athletes such as Eric Reid (49ers), Jeremy Lane (Seattle Seahawks), Rodney Axson (Brunswick H.S.), Megan Rapinoe (Seattle Reign), Brandon Marshall (Denver Broncos),
Maury High School football team (VA), Marcus Peters (Kansas City Chiefs), Howard University’s Cheerleading team (The Mecca) and a host of others, from various sports and teams, have joined the movement. In recent NBA games, several teams and players have locked arms or embraced each other opposed to singing the anthem and standing for the pledge to the flag. Despite the efforts of professional athletes to take a stand against injustice, more Black bodies were shot and killed at the hands of a police officer. There is more to this election than America having its first woman president. It is more than a man with no political experience becoming president. It’s a matter of saving the fathers, uncles, brothers, sons, mothers, aunts, sister, daughter and grandparents within the Black community. The Black community needs someone to fight for justice. The Black community needs someone who will take a stand as some athletes are trying to. The Black community doesn’t need sympathy; it needs justice in the name of Amadou Diallo, Oscar Grant, Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner, Sandra Bland, Mike Brown, Korryn Gaines, Rekia Boyd, Michelle Shirley, Deborah Danner… Shall I continue?
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Liberation: The “Coming Out” of Professional Athletes player in the NBA to come out about his sexuality. His coming out story was published on the cover of the May 2013 issue of Sports Illustrator. In the issue, Collins mentioned how he wanted to protect his privacy. Michael Sam, Jr. He also addressed the reason beBirthdate: January 7, 1990 hind him choosing the 98 to be his Sport: Football jersey number. His reason was the Story: Michael Sam Jr. was the first 1998 killing of Matthew Shepard, player in the NFL to openly come out about his sexuality. He was draft- a University of Wyoming student, who died after being brutally ated by the Saint Louis Rams as the tacked and tied to a fence because 249th pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. of his sexuality. NBA Commissioner This made him the first openly gay David Stern and fellow NBA players player to drafted by an NFL team. offered their praise and support to Sam received a lot of support from Collins following his coming out. his teammates, as well as President Obama who congratulated him and thank the Rams and the NFL for Martina Navratilova taking a step forward in our nation’s Birthdate: October 18, 1956 journey. Sport: Tennis Story: Martina Navratilova was the first professional tennis player to Jason Collins reveal her sexuality publicly, coming Birthdate: December 2, 1978 out in 1981. Her decision to come Sport: Basketball out received mixed feelings from Story: Jason Collins was the first her fans. She spoke on gay rights at
By Merdie Nzanga and Brittany Webb Sports Contributing Writer & Sports Editor
the 1993 March on Washington for Gay Rights. Navratilova has spent a significant portion of her career overcoming prejudices and giving up endorsements because of her determination to live an honest life. Despite losing millions in endorsements and sponsorships, she has received numerous awards from organizations within the LGBTQIA community.
Chris Tina Bruce
Birthdate: Unknown Sport: Bodybuilding Story: Chris Tina Bruce made history when they became the first transgender woman to compete in a bodybuilding contest in San Diego in October 2011. Bruce does not identify as male or female. The bodybuilder challenges people to reconsider their approach in regards to gender identity. Currently a fitness trainer, Bruce started a non-profit organization called “Be Bold, Be Proud,” which aims to raise
awareness and equality for transgender people.
Glenn Burke
Birthdate: November 16, 1952 Sport: Baseball Story: Glenn Burke was an outfielder for the Dodgers. Although he hadn’t yet publicly come out, the team and their franchise news that he was gay and they were uncomfortable with it. Many of Burke’s teammates expressed to management their desire to not have a gay man in the clubhouse. However, Burke remained on the team, everyone settling for the silence of his sexuality. His reason for remaining silent was his desire to “get so good at the game that they couldn’t do anything but accept him.” Later in his career, Burke played in gay baseball and softball leagues and won medals in the Gay Olympics. In 1995, he publishes a memoir on his experiences as an openly gay baseball player.
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN CHAPEL? Want to invite the Howard Community to your next event or program? All colleges, schools, organizations, alumni, and community groups are welcome to have a “Call to Chapel.” All “Calls to Chapel” must be submitted no later than 10:00 A.M. Monday morning to be included in the Chapel service.
Mr. and Miss Howard and the new members of the Royal Court share a moment with the Rev. Dr. Frederick Haynes, III.
Email: Chapel@howard.edu
Interested in Alternative Spring Break? For information on deadlines and all Join us this Sunday… things ASB, visit: Cramton Auditorium – 11:00 A.M. http://www.huasb.com Marian Wright Edelman
Founder and President, Children’s Defense Fund Washington, DC
Deeper in Faith – Wider in Community!
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10. 2016
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Bison Madness: A Sneak Peek of the Upcoming Season
By Nicole Hutchison Sports Staff Writer On Thursday, Nov. 4, Howard University hosted its Bison Madness at Burr Gymnasium. The event served as a pep rally for the upcoming 2016-2017 basketball season. The men and women’s basketball teams divided themselves into two teams, Team Ty and Team Nick, to face off in several events. In true Howard fashion, the event began with good music and good vibes. It also started on “CPT.” At approximately 8:00 p.m., opposed to 7:00 p.m., the teams were introduced by Howard Alum and 93.9 WKYS host, Angie Ange. To begin the competition,
Team Ty and Team Nick competed in a half-court shooting competition. Players from both teams had to make several shots from various points on the court before making taking a long distance three pointer. Team Nick came out victorious as senior guard/forward Prince Okoroh hit the bonus shot. The second challenge consisted of players having to dribble up court while dodging cones before making a lay up. The teams were neck in neck with each other until Team Ty’s Damon Collins, a senior guard and forward, missed a dunk attempt. This put Team Nick in the lead and eventually, permitted them to win the challenge. Before the halftime perfor-
mance, the teams competed in a three-point shootout, receiving 10 shots per person. Senior guard Jasmine Hill dominated the court, showing her shooting range and leading her team to a 3-0 lead in the Bison Madness competition. During halftime, the crowd welcomed WillThaRapper to perform his hot song “Pull Up, Hop Out.” Along with the performance, Divine Nine Black greek letter organizations took to the court to stroll/hop. The crowd sung along to songs performed and played through the speakers. To the surprise of the crowd, Athletic Director Kery Davis showed his own dance skills. Following the halftime
show was the All-Star Dunk Contest. Team Nick and Team Ty chose their best two candidates to compete; each candidate had one minute to plan how they were going to succeed in this portion of the competition. Representing Team Nick was freshman guard and forward Charles Williams and junior redshirt guard James Miller. Representing Team Ty was senior guard Kofi Andoh and Collins. Williams and Miller set the bar high, as they were first to attempt their dunks. As for Team Ty, Andoh initially received sevens across the board from the judges. However, Team Ty redeemed themself. The event ended in a tie as a result of the judges’
inability to judge the outstanding dunks. “Bison Madness was a very fun event for me,” sophomore forward Jalen Jones said. “I enjoyed being able to get ready for the upcoming season with all of our supporters.” Overall, Bison Madness was a success. Although Team Nick came out victorious in all three contests, the men and women’s basketball teams gave us a sneak peak of what fans should expect this season. “You should expect to see a team that is willing to do anything to win,” Jones said. “It’s win or bust for us this year, so expect us to leave it all on the court every game.”
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